Automotive tent

ABSTRACT

The present application relates to an automotive tent for fastening to a vehicle. The tent includes a base for fastening to the vehicle. A retractable cover is provided for retracting during transport, and expanding from the base to define a sleeping space. Advantageously, the cover may be readily erected by expanding the cover from the base to define the sleeping space. The cover may be collapsible.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application claims priority to AU 2019902640, filed Jul. 25, 2019,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an automotive tent. The presentinvention has particular, although not exclusive application to rooftents for mounting to the roof of vehicles.

BACKGROUND

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that theprior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Automotive roof tents are fitted to four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicles whencamping. The roof tent is stored in a canvas bag for transport. Inpractice, it is difficult or awkward to remove the roof tent from thebag during erection of the tent, and to return the tent to the bagafterwards. The bag zipper is difficult to use in cold weather whenhands are also cold and often breaks, leading to the undesirable ingressof dust and water.

Embodiments of the preferred embodiment provide a means for improvingerection and/or storage of the roof tent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided anautomotive tent for fastening to a vehicle, the tent including:

a base for fastening to the vehicle; and

a retractable cover for retracting during transport, and expanding fromthe base to define a sleeping space.

Advantageously, the cover may be readily erected by expanding the coverfrom the base to define the sleeping space. The cover may becollapsible.

The tent may be wedge-shaped. Preferably, the retracted cover folds flatwith the base. The cover may include a rigid panel pivotally mounted tothe base, and which forms a lid of the retracted cover. The tent mayinclude a biasing means for biasing the cover away from the base.

The cover may further include at least one flaccid sheet advantageouslystowed beneath the lid. The sheet may extend upwardly from the base tothe panel. The sheet may include a honeycomb weave. The sheet may definean end wall from which opposing side walls extend. The tent may furtherinclude at least one rib for supporting the sheet. The rib may pivot.The rib may be biased outwardly to keep the sheet of the cover taughtwhen erect. The tent may further include a cover support for supportinga sheet of the cover. The cover support may include one or more flexiblerods.

Advantageously, the base may include a rigid panel for supporting atleast one sleeping person. The base may be fitted directly to thevehicle without existing roof racks. Alternatively, the base may befastened to roof racks of the vehicle.

Each rigid panel may include frame extrusions and corner fasteners forfastening adjacent frame extrusions together. Each panel may include atubular (e.g. hexagonal) body. The frame extrusions may receive thebody.

The tent may further include a ladder for gaining access to the tent.The ladder may be extendable (e.g. telescopic). The ladder may hook intothe base.

The cover may include LED lighting. The lighting may clip into a frameextrusion. The cover may further include accessory mounts for mountingaccessories. The tent may include a detachable awning for extending fromthe cover adjacent he vehicle. The tent may include a skylight. The tentmay include a fan.

The tent may further include a mattress, stopping short of the length ofthe base. The tent may optionally include a roof-rack assembly forfitting to the cover.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of producing an automotive tent panel, the method including:

receiving a body within frame elements; and

fastening the frame elements together with corner fasteners.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda method of producing an automotive tent, the method including:

producing a pair of the tent panels;

pivotally mounting the panels together; and

fastening at least one sheet between the panels.

Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combinationwith any one or more of the other features described herein within thescope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may bediscerned from the following Detailed Description which providessufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform theinvention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limitingthe scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. TheDetailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1a is a rear perspective view of an automotive tent in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a front perspective view of the automotive tent of FIG. 1 a;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the automotive tent of FIG. 1bwith the fabric sheet removed;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a base of the automotive tentof FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front-end sectional view of the automotive tent of FIG. 1 ina retracted configuration;

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a roof-rack assembly for fitting to thetent of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5b is a perspective view of a cross bar of the roof-rack assemblyof FIG. 5a ; and

FIG. 5c is a perspective view of the cross bar of FIG. 5 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is providedan automotive tent 100 for fastening to the roof or tray of a vehicle asshown in FIG. 1. The wedge-shaped tent 100 includes a rigid base 102 forfastening to the vehicle. The tent 100 further includes a retractablecover 104 for retracting flat during transport (see FIG. 4), andexpanding from the base to define a sleeping space (see FIG. 2).

Advantageously, the collapsible cover 104 can be readily erected byexpanding the cover 104 from the base 102, like a clam shell opening, torapidly define the internal sleeping space. The rigid base 102 can befitted directly to the vehicle without existing roof racks, and usingvehicle specific mounting kits typically manufactured from sheet metal.

Returning to FIG. 1, the cover 104 includes a rigid panel 106 pivotallymounted to the base 102 with a rear PVC strip hinge, and the panel 106forms a lid of the retracted cover 104. The cover 104 further includesat least one flaccid fabric sheet 108 advantageously stowed beneath thelid. The fabric sheet 108 extends upwardly between the base 102 and thesloping panel 106, defining two opposing side walls and a pointedfront-end wall with each wall providing a person access.

The fabric sheet 108 has various fly screen inserts covered by roll-upfabric covers. The fabric sheet 108 defines two side doors 105 and afront-end door 107, as well as a skylight 109 located above thefront-end door. Notably, the tent 100 includes electric air-circulationfans which can be located in opposite fan apertures 110 (or pockets)defined in the peak of the cover 104. The tent 100 is cooler in a hotclimate and is condensation free owing to the cross-airflow.

Turning to FIG. 2, the tent 100 further includes a pair of opposingcover supports 200 for supporting the fabric sheet 108 of the cover 104.Each cover support 200 includes a pair of fiberglass rods interconnectedby a central pivot, and also pivotally mounted at the other oppositeends. The rods may be sewn into the fabric sheet 108.

Furthermore, the tent 100 includes a U-shaped rib 202 for fastening toand supporting the fabric sheet 108. The rib 202 pivots about thecentral pivot of the cover support 200. The tent 100 also includes abiasing means 204, in the form of opposing pneumatic struts, for biasingthe cover 104 away from the base 102 to an expanded configuration.

The base 102 also includes a rigid panel 206 for supporting at least onesleeping person 208. The tent 100 further includes a mattress 210,stopping short of the rear length of the base 102 so that the person'sfeet have additional room between the base 102 and cover 104.

FIG. 3 shows the lightweight cover panel 106 which is of likeconstruction to the base 102, and is easy to assemble and strong. Thecover panel 106 includes four capping aluminium frame extrusions 300,and four molded corner fasteners 302 for fastening adjacent frameextrusions 300 together. The panel 106 also includes a lightweighttubular (e.g. hexagonal) planar body 304. The body 304 is made fromaircraft grade layered aluminium with a honeycomb formed centre, and islight weight, strong, and offer great thermal barrier characteristics tohelp block sun radiation.

The frame extrusions 300 receive the body 304 and corner fasteners 302with a friction fit. The frame extrusions 300 are coated (e.g.powder/paint/anodised). The cover panel 106 also includes four internalLED lighting strips 306, and four external LED lighting strips 308. Thelighting strips 306, 308 clip or insert into the frame extrusions 300 toform a flush aerodynamic finish, and include a plastic diffuser. Thelighting strips 306 in the base 102, around the vehicle, shine at anangle and down onto the ground. The lighting strips 306 provide anintegrated lighting solution, avoiding the need for a user to otherwisepurchase several other lighting packages that mount externally to thevehicle and are vulnerable to being damaged when driving by treebranches and the like.

The corner fasteners 302 are shaped to enable fabric sheet keders, nutsand bolt heads to be axially fed and slid into the extrusions 300.

FIG. 4 shows the retracted cover 104 folded flat with the base 102 fortransport, with the fabric sheet 108 safely stored inside.Advantageously, the collapsed tent 100 has a low profile when closed onthe vehicle roof which is about ⅓ of a conventional roof tent packedheight. Keders 400 of the sheet 108 are received in recesses of theextrusions 300.

Other cavities defined by the frame extrusions 300 allow for fitting,transporting and using unlimited accessories including wiring which canbe hidden inside the extrusion and not exposed. The cavities define asmall leg to allow nuts 401 to be held captive within the extrusionprofile when slid in from an open end. These nuts 401 can then be usedto mount and attach a variety of things such as the rear PVC hinges andgas strut 204 with a bolted connection. They also allow for (optional)custom brackets that can hold 4wd accessories, awnings, etc.

The tent 100 can include a detachable kedered awning or shade cloth 402for feeding into and extending from the extrusions 300 adjacent thevehicle. A seal 404 is provided between the cover 104 and the base 102,with the adjacent mouth defined by extrusions 300 falling away to form awater runoff.

Turning to FIG. 5a , the tent 100 optionally includes a roof-rackassembly 500 for fitting to the cover 104 of the roof tent 100 (seeassembly depicted by dashed lines in FIG. 1a ) to provide a roof rackwhen the tent is collapsed.

The roof-rack assembly 500 includes extruded aluminum cross bars 502,extending between sheet metal side brackets 504, that form accessorymounts for mounting accessories.

The tent 100 further includes a ladder for gaining access to the tent100 at heights up to 2 m. The ladder is extendable (e.g. telescopic),and hooks into the frame extrusion 300 of the base 102 in use and can bestowed inside the shell, formed by the retracted cover 104 folded flatwith the base 102, when traveling.

The tent 100 provides a simple assembly with a low number of parts.Basically, the entire tent 100 is made up of 5 main parts (not includinghinges, gas struts, latches); namely the Base/Roof Panel 102, 106,Corner Cap 302, Side Extrusion (2 lengths) 300, and Tent (fabric) sheets108 that friction fit together, are sealed by silicone or double-sidedtape, and mechanically finished with 4 screws in each corner joiner 302that tap into the side extrusions 300.

The fabric sheet 108 includes a synthetic fabric that has a honeycombweave. It is waterproof, SPF50 rated, fire retardant treated, andreflect heat due to a silver aluminised underside coating. The fabricsheet 108 also includes fabric sides and doors made from a breathablecanvas polycotton blend, also being fire retardant and SPF50 rated.

In use, the tent 100 can be readily erected from the storage positionshown in FIG. 4.

A latch latching the cover 104 to the base 102 is released, and thestrut biasing means 204 separates the cover 104 from the base 102.

In turn, the fabric sheet 108 forms the upright walls, and the rib 202pushes outwardly to keep the sheet 108 taught. The cover support rods(Fibreglass or Aluminium) 200 have a plastic moulded pivot on each endand operate like scissors. As the rigid shell comes open, the end pivotsare separated increasing the angle between them. This forces the centrepivot away from the shell PVC hinge. The centre pivot is also connectedto the front bow 202, so this is in turn pushes away from the centrepivot. Because it is contained by the tent fabric, the rib 202 forcesthe tent shape in FIG. 1.

Once the tent 100 is erected, accessories can then be coupled to theaccessory cover cross bars 502 and the extrusions 300.

Conversely, the tent 100 can be retracted for transport by simplypulling down on the cover 104 and latching it to the base 102 with thefabric sheet 108 safely stored inside. As the lid 104 is closed, itforces the rods 200 to collapse and reverse the same process to collapsethe tent fabric 108.

A person skilled in the art will appreciate that many embodiments andvariations can be made without departing from the ambit of the presentinvention.

In one embodiment, the rigid base 102 may be fastened to existing roofracks of the vehicle.

In one embodiment, an optional elastic line arrangement may take theplace of the cover supports 200. The rib 202 is biased outwardly to keepthe sheet of the cover taught when erect. With the same outcome asdescribed above, the bow is pushed forward by the fabric tension as theshell opens. The collapsing part is different, and requires the user tohook on long elastic/rubber straps between the PVC hinge channel and theends of the bow. These pull the bow inside the shell so as to not foulthe seal and interfere with closing.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific to structural or methodical features. Itis to be understood that the invention is not limited to specificfeatures shown or described since the means herein described comprisespreferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘anembodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, theappearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily allreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more combinations.

1. An automotive tent for fastening to a vehicle, the tent including: abase for fastening to the vehicle; and a retractable cover forretracting during transport, and expanding from the base to define asleeping space.
 2. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 1, wherein thecover is collapsible and readily erected by expanding the cover from thebase to define the sleeping space which is wedge-shaped.
 3. Anautomotive tent as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retracted cover foldsflat with the base.
 4. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 3, whereinthe cover includes a rigid panel pivotally mounted to the base, andwhich forms a lid of the retracted cover.
 5. An automotive tent asclaimed in claim 4, wherein the cover further includes at least oneflaccid sheet advantageously stowed beneath the lid.
 6. An automotivetent as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sheet extends upwardly from thebase to the panel.
 7. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 5, whereinthe sheet includes a honeycomb weave, the sheet defining an end wallfrom which opposing side walls extend.
 8. An automotive tent as claimedin claim 5, wherein the tent further includes at least one rib forsupporting the sheet.
 9. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 8,wherein the rib can pivot and is biased outwardly to keep the sheet ofthe cover taught when erect.
 10. An automotive tent as claimed in claim1, further including a biasing means for biasing the cover away from thebase.
 11. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 1, wherein the baseincludes a rigid panel for supporting at least one sleeping person, thebase being fitted directly to the vehicle without existing roof racks orfastened to roof racks of the vehicle.
 12. An automotive tent as claimedin claim 1, wherein the base and cover both include rigid panels, eachrigid panel including frame extrusions and corner fasteners forfastening adjacent frame extrusions together.
 13. An automotive tent asclaimed in claim 12, wherein each panel includes a tubular body and theframe extrusions receive the body.
 14. An automotive tent as claimed inclaim 1, further including a ladder for gaining access to the tent, theladder being extendable and able to hook into the base.
 15. Anautomotive tent as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover includes LEDlighting able to clip into a frame extrusion or accessory mounts formounting accessories.
 16. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 1,including a detachable awning for extending from the cover adjacent thevehicle.
 17. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 1, including askylight, a fan and/or a roof-rack assembly for fitting to the cover.18. An automotive tent as claimed in claim 1, further including amattress, stopping short of the length of the base.
 19. A method ofproducing an automotive tent panel, the method including: receiving abody within frame elements; and fastening the frame elements togetherwith corner fasteners.
 20. A method of producing an automotive tent, themethod including: producing a pair of the tent panels of claim 19;pivotally mounting the panels together; and fastening at least one sheetbetween the panels.